tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71247889583845953862024-02-07T05:27:52.682-06:00Skating on the Shoulder...ponderings of an everlasting learner skating along the edges of the technological worldBeth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-15158310061427817382018-04-25T11:32:00.004-05:002018-04-25T11:44:55.740-05:00Where should I start?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSommg_wbw0QsbJ2Wq2ik5_Y03mWB7jVaY1TAhAL4J-KeS48SfI7My-jvLNTSR6Lzgncum0lN4gYZZImAN3STeGJVdpUVOKg5xChXqMwii9Da2sHfF_jYmuUZKPtIQfoc8UCOPHCAWP9Dc/s1600/My+Post+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="712" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSommg_wbw0QsbJ2Wq2ik5_Y03mWB7jVaY1TAhAL4J-KeS48SfI7My-jvLNTSR6Lzgncum0lN4gYZZImAN3STeGJVdpUVOKg5xChXqMwii9Da2sHfF_jYmuUZKPtIQfoc8UCOPHCAWP9Dc/s640/My+Post+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Starting...<br />
<br />
How do I fundamentally change my classroom?<br />
How do I make that change in a way that moves learning forward and doesn’t make me lose my mind?<br />
And how do I make that change sustainable?<br />
<br />
Those are the questions I hear from instructors as they embark on the journey of Blended and Personalized Learning.<br />
<br />
And for each of those questions there are a whole host of other questions...<br />
Where do I really start?<br />
What if I stink at this?<br />
How will I know that it is working?<br />
<br />
And then there are these that keep me awake at night...<br />
<br />
What if I just can’t do it<br />
What if my students are horrible to me?<br />
What if their grades tank?<br />
<br />
I have walked with teachers who have turned their classroom upside down and changed EVERYTHING at once.<br />
I have also walked with teachers who added a small tweak each week/month.<br />
<br />
The truth about personalized learning is that it also needs to be personalized <i><u>for the teacher</u></i>.<br />
What I mean by that is that <b>you</b> know yourself and <b>you need to be front and center</b> in this transformation or<br />
it will not be sustainable. <br />
<br />
Are you a ‘turn-it-all-inside-out’ teacher? Then going slow will drive you crazy!<br />
Are you a ‘one-step-only-one-step’ person? Then honor that!<br />
<br />
I believe that most teachers will do anything for their students...even at their own peril.<br />
Why else would we be willing to spend <b>our</b> entire weekend grading and planning and rearranging for others' children instead of focusing on our own kids?<br />
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THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES YOU NEED TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST. </div>
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Because if you don’t you will not be able to sustain this change and personalized learning will be just another dusty binder on the back shelf of your classroom.<br />
<br />
You can only change yourself...<br />
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<br />Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-80695973971216484722018-04-24T14:28:00.001-05:002018-04-24T14:28:17.770-05:00Once upon a time there was a classroomOnce upon a time there was a classroom. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM6KXwxrCphZ9vzViOTuXAoM6dOd7hdNVEEFyICqR9BmkHKGOUXP-wWSpO0Xe6WSwS6mLQhXXDhU1CTwTpulTZ5qn3JNXFsGl5rzYSEMzMRHZMM1d6HgKKVnRmPkThJaiM8h42S_xVFK1/s1600/classroom-2093743_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM6KXwxrCphZ9vzViOTuXAoM6dOd7hdNVEEFyICqR9BmkHKGOUXP-wWSpO0Xe6WSwS6mLQhXXDhU1CTwTpulTZ5qn3JNXFsGl5rzYSEMzMRHZMM1d6HgKKVnRmPkThJaiM8h42S_xVFK1/s400/classroom-2093743_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
You can fill in the details -<br />
the age,<br />
the way the students looked,<br />
the desk arrangement. <br />
Although the details make the story more interesting, they really aren't central to this story.<br />
<br />
Because in the front of the classroom there was a teacher,<br />
a dedicated teacher,<br />
an involved teacher,<br />
a teacher who believed that the future sat in this classroom. <br />
<br />
This teacher worked hard,<br />
embraced change,<br />
believed in the students and the work and the future.<br />
This teacher was doing all they could do at that very moment.<br />
<br />
But it still wasn't enough.<br />
<br />
Glassy eyed students stared back<br />
or laid their heads on their desks<br />
or sneakily eased their phones from their pockets<br />
or nodded their heads as their minds left the dingy room.<br />
<br />
Imagine what that feels like - knowing that all you are doing is not really preparing students for the future. Because, after all, how do we know what the future is?<br />
<br />
The truth is that everyone knows exactly how that feels.<br />Because we all walk forward day to day in a world where we don't know exactly what will happen.<br />
<br />
So, maybe I've been watching too many Marvel Comic episodes on Netflix. <br />
And maybe I've been lying awake at night imagining the world that might be.<br />
<br />
But the reality, my friend, is that we are preparing our students to inherit a reality that we can't actually see. We can't say with certainty what will happen next.<br />
<br />
To prepare for a world that is changing means changing the way that we prepare. <br />
And that doesn't happen in rows with a textbook sitting on the desk while we ignore the incredible computer that resides in our collective pockets.<br />
<br />
To truly prepare our students we have to stop pumping them full of facts<br />
and start pumping them full of processes<br />
and theories<br />
and maybes<br />
and connections<br />
and possibilities<br />
and and and.... <br />
<br />
Because facts are easy to test and only limited use to problem solve - to repurpose - to think differently. <br />
<br />
For our future to be different<br />
we need to empower the next generation not bore them into compliance<br />
we need to open the door to possibilities not slam it shut with a single answer<br />
we need to create collaborations of individuals not competitions between individuals<br />
we need to celebrate the originality of each rather than strive for the conformity of all<br />
we need to...<br />
<br />
Yes - I could go on.<br />
<br />
And truthfully if you are still reading this you are probably nodding your head.<br />
Because you have heard it before, thought it before, hoped for it before.<br />
And this is too often where the post or the keynote or the movie stops...with what we need.<br />
<br />
Instead, I am here to offer an idea...a process...a solution<br />
<br />
<b>Blended and Personalized learning</b><br />
<br />
I have had the privilege to walk with educators across Southeast Iowa as their classrooms change.<br />
As they work to create learner centered classrooms <i>with</i> their students not <i>for</i> their students<br />
As they take all the best of their own learning and invite students to the same table<br />
As they experience teaching and learning in a completely different way<br />
<br />
this is not easy work<br />
this is not easy work<br />
this in not easy work<br />
<br />
because the teachers must become learners and learners must become teachers<br />
because both teachers and learners must revise the way the system works<br />
because both teachers and learners must revamp the expectations of the roles<br />
because fluidity is the new norm<br />
<br />
Once upon a time there was a classroom and you need to stay tuned to hear the rest of the story!Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-72301291793831958102017-03-17T13:17:00.002-06:002017-03-17T13:42:50.989-06:00Google Keep + Research for the win!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL19eO-fGEvC1XHdA0l9eZBPtfXZwAff5BatDpeaUUzx9MW_ghpGL1RLOElD8HgO1xCXztjXvuZyHpMEUTvXusOX_YqrShn_OM5d_glmzBTa2Hi2ugf9PrDgJLpuBbpJzowUOr9wC3fe4C/s1600/FOR+THE+WIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL19eO-fGEvC1XHdA0l9eZBPtfXZwAff5BatDpeaUUzx9MW_ghpGL1RLOElD8HgO1xCXztjXvuZyHpMEUTvXusOX_YqrShn_OM5d_glmzBTa2Hi2ugf9PrDgJLpuBbpJzowUOr9wC3fe4C/s320/FOR+THE+WIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nVtzFADxmeHekzbveDA-acke0nT1Q8RouBSrS-uXQgv3GsY5078LXggK4_IkgEO6WgjtUlrQJ5UEk2Hhtaibq5vDtVELOc1q_bA2PphGHrCbdyTmp3mpvmLljRXoYXS0I2JxIWy1Mvpu/s1600/2017-03-17_13-12-56.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nVtzFADxmeHekzbveDA-acke0nT1Q8RouBSrS-uXQgv3GsY5078LXggK4_IkgEO6WgjtUlrQJ5UEk2Hhtaibq5vDtVELOc1q_bA2PphGHrCbdyTmp3mpvmLljRXoYXS0I2JxIWy1Mvpu/s200/2017-03-17_13-12-56.png" width="200" /></a></div>
I love <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-keep-notes-and-lis/hmjkmjkepdijhoojdojkdfohbdgmmhki?hl=en" target="_blank">Google Keep</a>! It is one of those versatile resources that is useful in many, many situations. It will allow you to take photos, make lists, record oral responses and manipulate that info.<br />
<br />
I use Google Keep for a very personal reason. I travel to multiple school districts on a weekly basis and have a concern that I will accidentally wear the same outfit to the same district time after time. Yup! It is a real concern!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNCpq9h2vEJqlLy9cFyXnaxKSxaNwj6RleWQQwCeMinWUasSqP3Jh-xLiw6-Wsr3Ko7VpeGkcRByKLG3Q6QP4KMzA8CqFP7NyqF91hk5OrK1VlTG7q1uf4kXX-zmtAAgP89VVPF9TbTu0/s1600/2017-03-17_13-34-29.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNCpq9h2vEJqlLy9cFyXnaxKSxaNwj6RleWQQwCeMinWUasSqP3Jh-xLiw6-Wsr3Ko7VpeGkcRByKLG3Q6QP4KMzA8CqFP7NyqF91hk5OrK1VlTG7q1uf4kXX-zmtAAgP89VVPF9TbTu0/s320/2017-03-17_13-34-29.png" width="320" /></a></div>
That may not seem very important - but it bothers me. I needed a way to keep track so, I started taking a picture of myself each morning as I get ready for work and send that to Google Keep. Now I can make sure that I don't keep showing up in a district looking like I only own one outfit!<br />
<br />
That's only one use.<br />
<br />
My daughter was home from Virginia for the weekend. She is a grad student in Professional Counseling and is just getting ready to begin her BIG research project. We were talking about the process - wading through sources and note taking and research and and and.<br />
<br />
As we talked - the wonderful and amazing <span id="goog_1437313157"></span>Google Keep<span id="goog_1437313158"></span> popped into my mind!<br />
This versatile tool has just been made more amazing with the <a href="https://support.google.com/docs/answer/7298487?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en" target="_blank">integration into Google Docs</a>!<br />
It has the potential to turn research on its head!<br />
<br />
So how would this work??<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad3xfp93VNVnJNYqZ0yHGVkW2W_g7ywkIKoGUHneBPvyOiEWhJgfcdq8KQJkSBLhTDM025_ysFLpzyZiaNeV4uaY-mMk0fzBgtzU-vZc5Rozqtl3m2kAEdpx69x551j0WJSjQNF2-Y807/s1600/2017-03-17_13-55-57.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad3xfp93VNVnJNYqZ0yHGVkW2W_g7ywkIKoGUHneBPvyOiEWhJgfcdq8KQJkSBLhTDM025_ysFLpzyZiaNeV4uaY-mMk0fzBgtzU-vZc5Rozqtl3m2kAEdpx69x551j0WJSjQNF2-Y807/s320/2017-03-17_13-55-57.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
1. Throughout the research process use Google Keep for your notes - add any additional info<br />
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<br />
2. Add tags to help organize notes for later use</div>
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<br />
3. Open and name a Google Doc<br />
<br />
4. Tools - Google Keep - see all your notes</div>
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5. Search for tags</div>
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6. Drag the notes you need into the doc</div>
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Here is a little video of that process.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzaw07kpX6zK_qizJQS91JwLigojX6YDWomWErUYf7hz7OhbdILbopv3a_329s4c2fQEvbjKAWyM3Zwkk5R1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I think this streamlined note taking tool is a real game changer! </div>
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And I must say I earned major mom points for sharing this with my grad student daughter! </div>
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Totally Google Keep for the win!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-86812680266145615612017-03-13T13:17:00.001-06:002017-03-13T13:19:15.015-06:00Spring Cleaning your Digital Presence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNIh_YWg8d00N5o5vbaeJdZURDF4rVLm7UeecT52u-Mq2IsFUEjgByEPeWD1iraL89dbZJcdFcr9hgBKWy-5qEbAfeaiOSs_lvt9YveI90LHvO45qhJNtz5x-yP9ViIJiLEvlO1MnqFQg/s1600/Untitled+drawing+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNIh_YWg8d00N5o5vbaeJdZURDF4rVLm7UeecT52u-Mq2IsFUEjgByEPeWD1iraL89dbZJcdFcr9hgBKWy-5qEbAfeaiOSs_lvt9YveI90LHvO45qhJNtz5x-yP9ViIJiLEvlO1MnqFQg/s320/Untitled+drawing+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have this habit of signing up for just about any service online that comes through my email. <br />
And then I promptly forget.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrDjFPD_STCWgDDzXA2zvQrWimkwKUIKoJpkzAtake14R8ioZ9lBJWSU9raLeyNQx0E8HfXyJ7dLnwwPr5o4gqD3mSswoUOOsFvizkd-znwERa9252_i4uMV_A3qoAIrpkqjSqTv9wnzn/s1600/2017-03-13_13-51-29.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrDjFPD_STCWgDDzXA2zvQrWimkwKUIKoJpkzAtake14R8ioZ9lBJWSU9raLeyNQx0E8HfXyJ7dLnwwPr5o4gqD3mSswoUOOsFvizkd-znwERa9252_i4uMV_A3qoAIrpkqjSqTv9wnzn/s200/2017-03-13_13-51-29.png" width="200" /></a>So - it is time to spring clean my Digital Presence.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOevlDYzqEUcfPT8BKAU8MeQZ7x08Og3QoL343tMIX65Rn97sNP4N-3ab2gRqKSY5Gvu1II6ht9Xgc4Kc8GSo4_OhXHMvDFqai0HiXcEEtFZxo2Zlx7qd9OOvvzCqrOhDPWAiEinWNX4i/s1600/2017-03-13_13-49-56.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOevlDYzqEUcfPT8BKAU8MeQZ7x08Og3QoL343tMIX65Rn97sNP4N-3ab2gRqKSY5Gvu1II6ht9Xgc4Kc8GSo4_OhXHMvDFqai0HiXcEEtFZxo2Zlx7qd9OOvvzCqrOhDPWAiEinWNX4i/s200/2017-03-13_13-49-56.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<h4>
<b>First stop Google goodness</b></h4>
<br />
1. <a href="https://myaccount.google.com/">https://myaccount.google.com/</a><br />
2. Click on Signing in to Google<br />
3. Manage apps<br />
<br />
Here you see a list of all the websites and apps that you have used Google to sign in with. You can go through each of the sites and remove the ones you no longer use. <br />
<br />
Yeah - first digital closet is cleaned!<br />
<br />
<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHDgmy9Ea0NF8shyphenhyphen7S36BWdjVnTTnkrq6WChkFB-UsbKGfNVtpaDicbW9XJZIDdoR6MMem4HxWCCmz_GlNmxmuXCjH2MKbaJwAmnXrCAHPou0h0GdNEYB4KhKonu_hnHzCiTqkBNVx5GG/s1600/2017-03-13_13-56-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="27" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHDgmy9Ea0NF8shyphenhyphen7S36BWdjVnTTnkrq6WChkFB-UsbKGfNVtpaDicbW9XJZIDdoR6MMem4HxWCCmz_GlNmxmuXCjH2MKbaJwAmnXrCAHPou0h0GdNEYB4KhKonu_hnHzCiTqkBNVx5GG/s320/2017-03-13_13-56-25.png" width="320" /></a></h4>
<h4>
Email subscriptions</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLbN1GTjqU9-YP6dRWcpJCyNQxZw_kf6apoSWgvCcUWIIlS33o58k3tU6Hxgbl-gMWSggNPXlm0WQqx89Psd-8ub_b28IaX4Q3zrRKz6uMzkSWJxf6WYD0RmD_EY_8AXqbwcpfhe-VHz8/s1600/2017-03-13_13-56-34.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLbN1GTjqU9-YP6dRWcpJCyNQxZw_kf6apoSWgvCcUWIIlS33o58k3tU6Hxgbl-gMWSggNPXlm0WQqx89Psd-8ub_b28IaX4Q3zrRKz6uMzkSWJxf6WYD0RmD_EY_8AXqbwcpfhe-VHz8/s320/2017-03-13_13-56-34.png" width="320" /></a>1. Log in to your email (gmail)</div>
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2. By the email address you will see the words "unsubscribe" </div>
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3. You have a second option to make a final decision to unsubscribe to the company or blog.</div>
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4. It usually takes a few days or weeks to be removed from an email list. So be patient.<br />
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<h4>
Speaking of Email </h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KSXbq3nyJIDUHPMIihlGfHrnVu-wgXk0fOZKDMdrtgRArFUigbu4zj5bjvWKmJ6vHNHYw8KpZJhw7xqzSCxNXyJDMP0Z-XsGyoZmGYYsqn5Z478CS1pCs5SAsfCtqVpKr0ICCnFVr1ev/s1600/2017-03-13_14-01-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KSXbq3nyJIDUHPMIihlGfHrnVu-wgXk0fOZKDMdrtgRArFUigbu4zj5bjvWKmJ6vHNHYw8KpZJhw7xqzSCxNXyJDMP0Z-XsGyoZmGYYsqn5Z478CS1pCs5SAsfCtqVpKr0ICCnFVr1ev/s200/2017-03-13_14-01-07.png" width="167" /></a>If you are using gmail take some time to organize your email inbox.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuD6LfGRxGrK5v7dwX5Csh-PZw1p3xEKtH8yam8UiGYnXzhHj5-7VfvypPkNoWhf9KdMvm5q4cVsI72hTyWVDJTrWIJ9ErxGrwPKh4GehJGp5M0Og9x_NGaIgaxNgHkCd8S0GTgOnoPC_/s1600/2017-03-13_14-01-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuD6LfGRxGrK5v7dwX5Csh-PZw1p3xEKtH8yam8UiGYnXzhHj5-7VfvypPkNoWhf9KdMvm5q4cVsI72hTyWVDJTrWIJ9ErxGrwPKh4GehJGp5M0Og9x_NGaIgaxNgHkCd8S0GTgOnoPC_/s200/2017-03-13_14-01-22.png" width="96" /></a><br />
A few of my tips<br />
1. Use the label feature to organize emails still in your inbox<br />
2. One of my favorite labels is ToDo. Notice I add a one. then it appears at the top of my label list.<br />
3. Add a calendar item once a month to zero out your inbox. It feels so liberating to know that you have organized your life in one small place!<br />
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<br />
<br />
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4. Consider using different email sections in your gmail with a priority inbox. Here is a little video I made to demo the process<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyE_krxnTSWfpCOPXGNeK3Hj-kCkNAlJUVu9GmnADLYqynwAHH9UucOBzpky5FjNZfY6V3WO4HS92xKRizO2g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-39778263844371021842017-01-03T09:16:00.000-06:002017-01-03T09:29:49.517-06:00A New Year and A New Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a planner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7djxENKqs6yCEM2kejL23Da2jaZv4VrhlFsxS4_1LfKPOSl5K5tQDiksrSHJaMUSlpx3xlqrAS44tILHTHspuPWHTvpHcTZha9W1hKktqimNpajpecw3L7UC2iIXGyb_VrrlfG5yN31G1/s1600/Untitled+presentation+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7djxENKqs6yCEM2kejL23Da2jaZv4VrhlFsxS4_1LfKPOSl5K5tQDiksrSHJaMUSlpx3xlqrAS44tILHTHspuPWHTvpHcTZha9W1hKktqimNpajpecw3L7UC2iIXGyb_VrrlfG5yN31G1/s320/Untitled+presentation+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not necessarily a doer - but a planner.<br />
I like to organize and prepare and plan and then too often I lose steam and that is the end of it.<br />
<br />
Because of that I am always on the path for the perfect organizational system. <br />
<br />
Last year I discovered <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/" target="_blank">Bullet Journaling</a> and fell head over heels in love! I lurked on blogs about bullet journaling like this beautiful one by <a href="http://www.bohoberry.com/" target="_blank">Boho Berry</a>, and followed instagram accounts of gorgeous bullet journals like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tinyrayofsunshine/?hl=en" target="_blank">TinyRayofSunShine</a>. I even joined a facebook group called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/BulletJournalJunkies/" target="_blank">Bullet Journal Junkies</a>.<br />
<br />
I spent so much time looking and admiring and dreaming that I didn't spend much time writing in my own <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/the-bujo-backstory/" target="_blank">Bujo</a>. And that is clearly a problem!<br />
<br />
So - it's time to begin 2017 with a new plan! :)<br />
<br />
But first, a couple of things I learned through my exploration this past year.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> I need an analog To Do list! I am the most productive when I have a place to jot down reminders and to do items throughout the day and throughout my life. There are some specific requirements for that list...</li>
<ul>
<li>needs enough space to write</li>
<li>needs to have dates attached to items</li>
<li>needs to be analog - because I like to check things off</li>
<li>needs a place to plan ahead</li>
</ul>
<li>I need a place to keep lists -</li>
<ul>
<li>Christmas lists</li>
<li>TV suggestions</li>
<li>books to read</li>
<li>tools to share with teachers</li>
</ul>
<li>I am a little concerned about privacy with my Bujo. I am a traveling consultant. I am in many different schools and offices and I am quite forgetful. I didn't want my personal world to be left behind somewhere in my professional world</li>
<li>I do not want to use two different list tools. I considered carrying two bujos and that just didn't seem practical. I love the idea of an all in one tool. I know that could mean Drive and for many techie people that works well. But I have a hankering for some things analog!</li>
</ol>
<div>
With all that in mind here is my new plan</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have decided to go to two tools. I know I didn't think I wanted that - but they serve two different purposes. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>First</b> - I am using my new <a href="https://getrocketbook.com/" target="_blank">Rocketbook Wave</a> notebook for my to do list. I am using the <a href="https://getrocketbook.com/products/rocketbook-wave" target="_blank">Standard</a> size, about the size of a small planner. The genius of this notebook is I can make it digital - there are small icons across the bottom of each page. Using a smartphone app you can connect an image with a destination - email, drive, one note - so that snapping a picture of the image sends it to that digital spot. The other amazing thing about this notebook is it can be erased. By using special pens (and BTW they are very nice weight and writing) you can microwave the notebook when full and the ink will be 'erased.' </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86UvVHe2H_GxSPqFeDQHceZPEV92gtm6RJABPDBseaWspUSJh7p8uILteJxNAerGyLZHA2_ex2KwHYA83Dfhkut1TQuNkfdkMEQcxK11D0CRxMYngfFOFXCfBVdI9m47F3gPUQRYpDBrV/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86UvVHe2H_GxSPqFeDQHceZPEV92gtm6RJABPDBseaWspUSJh7p8uILteJxNAerGyLZHA2_ex2KwHYA83Dfhkut1TQuNkfdkMEQcxK11D0CRxMYngfFOFXCfBVdI9m47F3gPUQRYpDBrV/s200/IMG_1939.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2DPejW22ZbVOmZjbtkXBaasQsT4Q5Pr6U0HLTjp6fiQdkPzPIpERryetgsLPHhoxk9i0fnxzRhq60_Y-3_MLiw0cMWKGZmkWHGTbzPI_-XNuzuelppLCCaOUYtDzZpumKwe7YWnD5FwX/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2DPejW22ZbVOmZjbtkXBaasQsT4Q5Pr6U0HLTjp6fiQdkPzPIpERryetgsLPHhoxk9i0fnxzRhq60_Y-3_MLiw0cMWKGZmkWHGTbzPI_-XNuzuelppLCCaOUYtDzZpumKwe7YWnD5FwX/s200/IMG_1941.JPG" width="150" /></a>I am using a two page spread for my week - on the left is a list of the days and my calendar for the week. I know I am rewriting that. But, I find that it helps me remember what I need to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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On the right is my to do list complete with small boxes for me to cross things off. I can carry my to do list on to the next page if necessary</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have combined my personal and professional life on both the calendar and my to do list. </div>
<div>
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I am loving this notebook. It is small enough for me to take anywhere - in a bookbag or a purse. And lays flat so I can easily keep it beside me as I work.</div>
<div>
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuDpTzdHEJB84K2jrLpkn6V6ac2gefzPMkmJHwL4STH3yLlx9TjgVkfSm7bRGSOI2uUJ6NealXLCltvu02uscujDgZNB2eBtbDS4jybMv6W-aOkGCKHfrNf-OWo8aYRlzEPgRw6lOwBpw/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuDpTzdHEJB84K2jrLpkn6V6ac2gefzPMkmJHwL4STH3yLlx9TjgVkfSm7bRGSOI2uUJ6NealXLCltvu02uscujDgZNB2eBtbDS4jybMv6W-aOkGCKHfrNf-OWo8aYRlzEPgRw6lOwBpw/s200/IMG_1942.JPG" width="150" /></a><b>Second</b> - my new Bullet Journal. Because I am only using this for lists - I decided on a <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/us/" target="_blank">Moleskin</a> notebook that I found at <a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a>. It's not as fancy as the <a href="https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/" target="_blank">Leuchtturm</a> I used last year. But I am a sucker for the polka dots! I added the date and my name in permanent marker.</div>
<div>
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<div>
After having a place to jot down gift suggestions, books to read and quotes last year - I really couldn't give that up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMJnhugJ9siUgEr_kn9assnWxC7GDSNJve6T7ZnnLJlXoFEieZoo8ZcZJ4FxX-TDSt5P0UAAex1kYnMKwBMKnaX76BVouurJYGRLoGp0KK2Vi50dhLrQaVSh1IoZycRe3JRIhwlscnxRl/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMJnhugJ9siUgEr_kn9assnWxC7GDSNJve6T7ZnnLJlXoFEieZoo8ZcZJ4FxX-TDSt5P0UAAex1kYnMKwBMKnaX76BVouurJYGRLoGp0KK2Vi50dhLrQaVSh1IoZycRe3JRIhwlscnxRl/s200/IMG_1943.JPG" width="200" /></a>So this book will live in a book bag in my car. Because I am a bit of nomad - I keep a traveling office in my car. I have found that there are books I often need, but not on a daily basis. These ride around in my car in this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/yoga-bag-french-bull-multi-colored/-/A-23976299" target="_blank">jazzy Target bag</a>. That is where my Bujo will also live.</div>
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<div>
Stay tuned to see how this system works for me! </div>
<div>
I'd love to hear what works for you!!</div>
Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-833249812000994852016-12-14T15:01:00.000-06:002016-12-14T15:14:19.174-06:00Baby Steps and Giant Leaps<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB7n-fryZvLKLMdecsVBqA_CY9WSK5JG19baME7cyAJ_xIiQezq-xW9j1xbEhG-rw36EcqoDQudrmAyK8MK67yGUBkM3x6LAtGZrorlpbV5eE_AtX53ABdNk2FT-hFyhkLGyw8cJpV24T/s1600/2016-12-14_14-45-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB7n-fryZvLKLMdecsVBqA_CY9WSK5JG19baME7cyAJ_xIiQezq-xW9j1xbEhG-rw36EcqoDQudrmAyK8MK67yGUBkM3x6LAtGZrorlpbV5eE_AtX53ABdNk2FT-hFyhkLGyw8cJpV24T/s320/2016-12-14_14-45-04.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I had the privilege of spending the morning working with a group of dedicated HS teachers. <br />
<br />
They were meeting to move their teaching practice from traditional classrooms to blended and personalized learning. This is the second year of the initiative and this group was working through the nitty gritty of resistant students and curriculum needs and personal hesitations.<br />
<br />
My role is a supportive coach. I have been digging into Blended and Personalized Learning - but I am not in a classroom. My job and experiences are from the outside looking in. So, when I get to spend time with teachers it is a good day!! :) <br />
<br />
And today was a very good day!!<br />
<br />
The conversation began with logistics and some hiccups in the process. <br />
And then the conversation moved to practice - to the actual classroom and what is happening inside the doors of these spaces. <br />
<br />
And that was the best part! <br />
<br />
I was able to spend time listening to their stories.<br />
Listening to the way students were reacting to the changes, some welcoming it and some resisting. Listening to the change in classroom conversations when students were given more choice. <br />
<br />
And then there was that story...that one that I grabbed on to and will hold tight for a long time. <br />
<br />
A math teacher shared how she was using EdPuzzle to create short videos on her content to help students take notes and practice. <br />
<br />
One day she noticed two students arguing and moved closer.<br />
But these two were arguing...over a math problem. <br />
Let me say that again - arguing over a math problem. <br />
Arguing about how to complete a step in the problem.<br />
That level of engagement is encouraging - but then it gets better - because they each pulled out their notes to prove their own process was correct!<br />
They were using their notes to improve their practice!<br />
<br />
That is learning!<br />
<br />
The conversation between the teachers continued from practice to Web 2.0 tools to future planning. But, I had lost the thread. <br />
Because I was picturing this moment again and again. <br />
Two alternative HS students actively discussing a math problem.<br />
<br />
Yup! That's Blended Learning!!<br />
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<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-70792259788326404242016-12-14T11:16:00.001-06:002016-12-14T11:16:39.263-06:00"Keep Doing"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yHI94q0ydeOsHxZJuHLKV4u1ISTopTpPOAF-mP4tBBPykoOQFntfX1okcg9Xg2Y5CXW0Z8L8yM_xUwViyy4UPfzkcMXFh0XhO3wXOY2m8JtXay7aBl3fQrADP_pNFrhO5_1Jki1mR92-/s1600/Untitled+presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yHI94q0ydeOsHxZJuHLKV4u1ISTopTpPOAF-mP4tBBPykoOQFntfX1okcg9Xg2Y5CXW0Z8L8yM_xUwViyy4UPfzkcMXFh0XhO3wXOY2m8JtXay7aBl3fQrADP_pNFrhO5_1Jki1mR92-/s320/Untitled+presentation.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
Hmmm.... Maybe the new focus of my blog is responding to other blogs. Because that is what this post is all about.<br />
<br />
I just read an excellent short reminder from Pernille Ripp called <a href="https://pernillesripp.com/2016/10/21/keep-doing/" target="_blank">"Keep Doing;"</a> Her reminder is exactly what teachers need as November moves in to December and the excitement of the new year changes into the everydayness of the rest of the year.<br />
<br />
I am working with a school district who just rolled out Chromebooks for all the High School students. We have focused so much on the tool and what the tool can do and how you will manage the tool and what you should and should not expect with the tool. <br />
<br />
<br />
When I read this post - it made me pause and understand what I have not said enough! <br />
<b>Focus on the student.</b> <br />
Focus on the student. <br />
More than the learning, more than the outcome, more than than technology, more than anything. Focus on the studentUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-38842501849872843762016-10-17T21:06:00.003-05:002016-10-17T21:11:06.335-05:00"Blogging is your job."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJGPLXUGcx5p2NliX5TzXHbw_g-CZ0jJkmPwEdZ4j0_cMK9tfTjGnLkcAJuy3yZIPmYzBSRSatgtlDRPSwGqZ0FJgB3GS9oYQSXiAzZUwJxLi9RMxFelkJUafypPPvrbQmn3g1lKiH-Os/s1600/eraser-316446_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJGPLXUGcx5p2NliX5TzXHbw_g-CZ0jJkmPwEdZ4j0_cMK9tfTjGnLkcAJuy3yZIPmYzBSRSatgtlDRPSwGqZ0FJgB3GS9oYQSXiAzZUwJxLi9RMxFelkJUafypPPvrbQmn3g1lKiH-Os/s200/eraser-316446_1280.jpg" width="134" /></a>I've had a really hard time blogging for the past 3 years. <br />
I know - that seems like a long writer's block. <br />
But it wasn't really writer's block so much as losing my voice.<br />
<br />
I left a school district 3 years ago. And in my leaving my district I felt like I lost my voice and my clout and a bit of my identity. When you have been part of a school district for more than 1/2 your lifetime it impacts you a bit. <br />
My point of reference was the same for all those years.<br />
And I loved it! I knew what to expect, I knew the drill, I knew it. I had moved out of the classroom 5 years earlier, and that transition changed my point of reference - but not as much as leaving the district all together.<br />
<br />
I didn't really understand that when I moved to a new job - out of a single district - to become a Technology Consultant working with multiple districts. <br />
<br />
I am very happy with my decision to move.<br />
I love my job!<br />
I love the changes that it has brought about in me and in my connection to education and technology!<br />
<br />
But, my fingers kept stopping as I sat down to write. <br />
The questions came faster than my thoughts.<br />
<br />
How can I write about education and teaching and technology when I don't work directly with students?<br />
How can I really know what is best practices for students when I swoop into a school for PD and swoop out again?<br />
How can I understand what it is like in a classroom when I no longer have those daily responsibilities?<br />
How?<br />
How?<br />
<br />
And the questions froze my voice. <br />
These questions made the words disappear and my thoughts dry up. For three years.<br />
<br />
Then I read George Couros's Blog <a href="http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/6773?utm_source=digg" target="_blank">"Blogging is your job."</a><br />
<br />
And the John Dewey quote hit me hard.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="sumo_twilighter_highlighted twilighter-7a85239e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: inherit; float: inherit; font-family: inherit "important"; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: inherit;">“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”</span></em><span class="sumo_twilighter_highlighted twilighter-7a85239e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: inherit; float: inherit; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: inherit;"> </span></span></blockquote>
I have a voice and a point of view and a need to write. <br />
My perspective is unique to me. <br />
I have been in education a looooong time! <br />
I clearly remember when that first Apple 5200 arrived in my 4th grade classroom door. <br />
And I have been using it ever since.<br />
That means I have something to say!<br />
<br />
So - it's time to get back to reflecting on my corner of the ed tech world! <br />
<br />
<br />
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<span class="sumo_twilighter_highlighted twilighter-7a85239e" style="background-color: rgba(51 , 51 , 51 , 0.14902); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: inherit; float: inherit; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-67791835320890360242016-05-31T09:14:00.000-05:002016-06-15T17:27:12.643-05:00#SummerPD #3 - C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP2y4TzmGPh9DmnJ-Co9eVw19XaxjHX_TDBO3XizxPy8i0JNMT3ddNm7sBCfhD6cWzkGtRkZbL8u0KW9LMehNlLaBVGe87rN2pSEdUD2I8YQ_DMeGKwq1_4INBRKZABqoshRcHmsVZRSh/s1600/2016-05-31_09-03-16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP2y4TzmGPh9DmnJ-Co9eVw19XaxjHX_TDBO3XizxPy8i0JNMT3ddNm7sBCfhD6cWzkGtRkZbL8u0KW9LMehNlLaBVGe87rN2pSEdUD2I8YQ_DMeGKwq1_4INBRKZABqoshRcHmsVZRSh/s320/2016-05-31_09-03-16.png" width="320" /></a></div>
This site was highlighted by <a href="http://www.techmeology101.com/DailyDose/" target="_blank">Techmeology101</a>. This great blog has a Daily Dose option that allows you to subscribe and receive daily tech doses in your email box. I would highly recommend it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWQyAhBn7q5q4Q_nD9PgMbDBky-wSCPr44es5YktLCsY_o2v7St0I7VVT3OKlEEFnqX7QEA5a9IlabiKpZv4nyCLrrfp1jOCwwi_bRTYRY7vaOEoTEMDHh5ub87PBVO0PvHCTLMKMFWJf/s1600/2016-05-31_09-06-38.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWQyAhBn7q5q4Q_nD9PgMbDBky-wSCPr44es5YktLCsY_o2v7St0I7VVT3OKlEEFnqX7QEA5a9IlabiKpZv4nyCLrrfp1jOCwwi_bRTYRY7vaOEoTEMDHh5ub87PBVO0PvHCTLMKMFWJf/s320/2016-05-31_09-06-38.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Now on to the <a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/" target="_blank">actual site</a>. <br />
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This site combines several excellent resources in to one online site. As the image on the right describes - you can find video and newspaper clips along with handouts, lesson plans and strategies.<br />
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Additionally there are step-by-step instructions for students to <a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/activities/make-a-deliberations-site/" target="_blank">create their own deliberations site </a>to highlight and support their research, explanation of a <a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/activities/simulated-housesenate-floor-debate/" target="_blank">mock senate debate</a>, <a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/issues/" target="_blank">current issues</a> and <a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/activities/" target="_blank">resources and suggestions</a> for many more activities.<br />
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Check out this one-stop-shop for current event information.<br />
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<a href="http://c-spanclassroomdeliberations.org/" target="_blank">C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gpiT4XQ7P8Y2f1gQQV7zlABHOVoydw3uNF68KYFirgsQ2ABImDUjPuACoz0cDZWZ1SbSkm4Mcub9d5vOcRGMdLWr3OPXdXYF10aZPuYZhxzOF93-KDBWC8U-6E7c1nVF4SmAhtDZaxst/s1600/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gpiT4XQ7P8Y2f1gQQV7zlABHOVoydw3uNF68KYFirgsQ2ABImDUjPuACoz0cDZWZ1SbSkm4Mcub9d5vOcRGMdLWr3OPXdXYF10aZPuYZhxzOF93-KDBWC8U-6E7c1nVF4SmAhtDZaxst/s200/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-63078596250384417772016-05-30T23:35:00.000-05:002016-06-15T17:27:41.704-05:00#SummerPD Series #2 - The Generator<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bzflSDGbcUZaUdFqLJoTgPqkiNr7OeCjp2oHLT3WFj2cZqYwaV6qJ8Tb-lAQv_KBJ8AI9oqR-Epn3tkIuXPI_knz6-1MkjGgUkv76vpcCeO-96m59xSuMWAVFwBFU8v1y20ADU0NXuId/s1600/2016-05-30_22-35-54.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bzflSDGbcUZaUdFqLJoTgPqkiNr7OeCjp2oHLT3WFj2cZqYwaV6qJ8Tb-lAQv_KBJ8AI9oqR-Epn3tkIuXPI_knz6-1MkjGgUkv76vpcCeO-96m59xSuMWAVFwBFU8v1y20ADU0NXuId/s640/2016-05-30_22-35-54.png" width="640" /></a>Use this versatile site to create a huge range of items. Here are a few links to explore.<br />
One word of warning: There are links to sites that are not completely school-appropriate. So be sure to check out the links before sharing them with students. <br />
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Have fun exploring <a href="https://generatorblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Generator</a><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.chickenhead.com/stuff/oscar/index.asp" target="_blank">Academy Awards Acceptance Speech</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.anim5.com/wow/generator/nightmare/index.php" target="_blank">Alternate Reality TV</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.animationonline.com/" target="_blank">Banner</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.imagechef.com/t/928a/Cake-With-Number" target="_blank">Birthday cake</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.magixl.com/heads/poir.php" target="_blank">caricature</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.glassgiant.com/back_to_school/" target="_blank">chalkboard message</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.makeyourcoatofarms.com/" target="_blank">coat of arms</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.eyechartmaker.com/index.php" target="_blank">custom eye chart sign</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.addletters.com/disneyland-sign-generator.htm#.V00OGJMrKRs" target="_blank">Disneyland Sign</a></li>
<li><a href="http://discoveringegypt.com/egyptian-hieroglyphic-writing/hieroglyphic-typewriter/" target="_blank">Egyptian Name</a></li>
<li><a href="http://famousstar.de/" target="_blank">famous star</a></li>
<li><a href="http://atom.smasher.org/graffiti/" target="_blank">graffiti</a></li>
<li><a href="http://atom.smasher.org/highway/" target="_blank">highway sign</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jibjab.com/ecards/fathers_day" target="_blank">jibjab</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cooltext.com/" target="_blank">logo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://wigflip.com/automotivator/" target="_blank">motivational poster</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.says-it.com/badge/" target="_blank">official badge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://coolonlinetools.net/signature-generator/" target="_blank">signature generator</a></li>
<li><a href="http://whatwouldyoulook.com/" target="_blank">super hero</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.seventhsanctum.com/generate.php?Genname=whatif" target="_blank">what if</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.seventhsanctum.com/generate.php?Genname=whatif" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJrgn-2jO1HVE-HkYbdXakEUdMoyZpxu2ddQT8iTJZ5DrsTTCe9ZCYZbn5FxK4FAEyEIOKXmWfOxObPEV59RxtzGRq46BXHx9978IV0jEqH3mordU_uLdkvmOjgArzKH_0R6eitO2yiw/s1600/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJrgn-2jO1HVE-HkYbdXakEUdMoyZpxu2ddQT8iTJZ5DrsTTCe9ZCYZbn5FxK4FAEyEIOKXmWfOxObPEV59RxtzGRq46BXHx9978IV0jEqH3mordU_uLdkvmOjgArzKH_0R6eitO2yiw/s200/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-47081573067510420912016-05-30T22:19:00.001-05:002016-06-15T17:28:19.847-05:00#SummerPD Series #1 - Teacher Meme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcLj-61rnwFhcnN3XXJnxgxoOkkNRd_rhMpYnAPWuEPkN2NpLNlAx1z8XY5JwOo7zEeio_7x20thmE3f7JA2gS0K2eqeDS2aGSiQ14kcdvuwzsBkHsZFt97TtzLHP7QCdoJY7EU9TKx3D/s1600/2016-05-30_22-11-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcLj-61rnwFhcnN3XXJnxgxoOkkNRd_rhMpYnAPWuEPkN2NpLNlAx1z8XY5JwOo7zEeio_7x20thmE3f7JA2gS0K2eqeDS2aGSiQ14kcdvuwzsBkHsZFt97TtzLHP7QCdoJY7EU9TKx3D/s200/2016-05-30_22-11-52.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIlEopJph48qRM0PimgW52iJ1CJmigIZHD1wN6ayJxnrigyIMKYy9qCEGxdou-3m50VjGPQe-tgf0I4Xasxg7GjRNvQ5U46lrx7yinsSM2GMXWTrOw5pA0b1GXojMBbeYl1fAHd18USpz/s1600/b43240e7672c136250936e072ac082ef.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIlEopJph48qRM0PimgW52iJ1CJmigIZHD1wN6ayJxnrigyIMKYy9qCEGxdou-3m50VjGPQe-tgf0I4Xasxg7GjRNvQ5U46lrx7yinsSM2GMXWTrOw5pA0b1GXojMBbeYl1fAHd18USpz/s200/b43240e7672c136250936e072ac082ef.jpeg" width="171" /></a>Looking for something to spice up your presentations?<br />
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Want that perfect image to demonstrate a concept?<br />
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Need an interesting image for the teachers' lounge?<br />
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This might be the perfect site.<br />
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Memes are an added value way of getting a point across! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJrgn-2jO1HVE-HkYbdXakEUdMoyZpxu2ddQT8iTJZ5DrsTTCe9ZCYZbn5FxK4FAEyEIOKXmWfOxObPEV59RxtzGRq46BXHx9978IV0jEqH3mordU_uLdkvmOjgArzKH_0R6eitO2yiw/s1600/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJrgn-2jO1HVE-HkYbdXakEUdMoyZpxu2ddQT8iTJZ5DrsTTCe9ZCYZbn5FxK4FAEyEIOKXmWfOxObPEV59RxtzGRq46BXHx9978IV0jEqH3mordU_uLdkvmOjgArzKH_0R6eitO2yiw/s200/Summer+ExplorationSeries.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-38768230137554042512016-05-11T14:23:00.000-05:002016-05-30T21:08:48.052-05:00Jeopardy Boards, Random Groups, Flash Cards - Oh MY! <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1oZ4P3ceZdkAquxkhgePp20tEQwwsc6qLbP1uS9B3ypP4Z82Wt-9U15z3QuT4t-LVURGzGWi4Jl3th2hyphenhyphenM8YF0l_rpQi53UmuJyhKUv7ZrTQEzPf_zEuQog92cIORYexPGQTmBxURLyt/s1600/2016-05-11_10-30-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1oZ4P3ceZdkAquxkhgePp20tEQwwsc6qLbP1uS9B3ypP4Z82Wt-9U15z3QuT4t-LVURGzGWi4Jl3th2hyphenhyphenM8YF0l_rpQi53UmuJyhKUv7ZrTQEzPf_zEuQog92cIORYexPGQTmBxURLyt/s640/2016-05-11_10-30-09.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Flippity.net is the one tool that easily transforms a Google sheet into a flashcard deck, or a spelling tutorial or a certificate quiz creator. The tool is a little magic - in my mind. </div>
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The website is clear and easy to use. For each of the eight different tools Flippity offers a demo, an instruction page and the template you will use for to make the tool work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r3QbnsR0KHUZZG01FMpOtbdvDX5UfZ9EFJHHuzq8ow33USr-EsbqOvgNjlDg7lZ452d7GaL53kZWpoLhxkZWVpmGRQyA1FV4LGw9vyyfhhViU5r3lY_3Bgs488Pa2V15I3OaNoopQLwC/s1600/2016-05-11_10-30-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r3QbnsR0KHUZZG01FMpOtbdvDX5UfZ9EFJHHuzq8ow33USr-EsbqOvgNjlDg7lZ452d7GaL53kZWpoLhxkZWVpmGRQyA1FV4LGw9vyyfhhViU5r3lY_3Bgs488Pa2V15I3OaNoopQLwC/s640/2016-05-11_10-30-18.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">This is the Random Name Picker instructions. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">They are clear and easy to follow. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nnEFsrcOF4o-A5l8gNJvIjv8VCP7rkoeg1NEn73rwUmq5p435sXII9FKKcAAT__8XSDabLAzISsKc9_Sr53sWeM98vGOqk-a_KTSDKlfLiNDink4CTdrEo4uVvh8JMuuJILNyNcY40E4/s1600/2016-05-11_10-30-56.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nnEFsrcOF4o-A5l8gNJvIjv8VCP7rkoeg1NEn73rwUmq5p435sXII9FKKcAAT__8XSDabLAzISsKc9_Sr53sWeM98vGOqk-a_KTSDKlfLiNDink4CTdrEo4uVvh8JMuuJILNyNcY40E4/s640/2016-05-11_10-30-56.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">This is the Random Name Picker interface when completed. The same list of names is used to generate the variety of groups, teams and seating chart. All from one list of students!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDpmqul2x8MrG8V0PmqT-JPHJFVxGlrlK6GNs-4WU0fHyL_KDkC56BnEEdh7mTUepr1eoFkUD9QB5SlELmxWbP-7mHJNPzRu-s7-dLvcpmrEyn0wNsGN3dxft5thO4zRrniWaWLa8mfSs/s1600/2016-05-11_10-30-38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDpmqul2x8MrG8V0PmqT-JPHJFVxGlrlK6GNs-4WU0fHyL_KDkC56BnEEdh7mTUepr1eoFkUD9QB5SlELmxWbP-7mHJNPzRu-s7-dLvcpmrEyn0wNsGN3dxft5thO4zRrniWaWLa8mfSs/s640/2016-05-11_10-30-38.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would strongly recommend this online tool as you begin to look toward next year - or if you need some review tools as the year ends! Good Luck!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-66684408871720434342016-04-26T10:55:00.002-05:002016-04-26T13:15:35.159-05:00"If anyone is picking something...stop!": The Realities of Blended Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk20qisIiSRR3IfHaCLyhyphenhyphenjYfYfJm8XnNWaVXerpI2fzIxprAQI7n6hEdNewIptcCPa_u0wv2NpWaLdyxOFgNmwcTlk3pbULI85p6PknQZIlcusiIAJbF_ONBHNQFHdhrHA1T6oTElka5/s1600/RTI00510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk20qisIiSRR3IfHaCLyhyphenhyphenjYfYfJm8XnNWaVXerpI2fzIxprAQI7n6hEdNewIptcCPa_u0wv2NpWaLdyxOFgNmwcTlk3pbULI85p6PknQZIlcusiIAJbF_ONBHNQFHdhrHA1T6oTElka5/s200/RTI00510.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
You never know what you will hear when you walk into a High School class. As a coach you have expectations, but the reality doesn't necessarily match. <br />
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Thus, this interesting statement.<br />
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I was sitting in a group of teachers reflecting on student behaviors and blended learning. They were discussing how the time of year affects the quality of the work and the conversations between students. <br />
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And then a teacher dropped this statement...<br />
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<b>"If anyone is picking something...stop."</b> <br />
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This was overheard by the HS principal when she walked into a classroom in her building. Turns out that one student was picking a scab, another was picking their nose and the last one was picking on their neighbor. And the teacher had enough!<br />
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The conversation in our group broke into laughter, and then there was a pause.<br />
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What do you do with that? Because that is what really happens in our classrooms. Students walk into our daily classroom needing more than only an understanding of themes in <u>To Kill A Mockingbird</u>. We all know that. But how do we address those needs in the midst of the standards and testing and, and, and... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDll4_I7SehJNjAwy-8JISKr2TjMVtLdTxYhH5lTv3rqm7zsm4XU1MBc8olHj1MWw6FSE8rijb-Pjot-RH8xTHC_aBv3xYEcseVDZP-sg5WPibYUKoFeEIc6wJ5K7FAjGd1ssSxZ47_Dd1/s1600/Blended+Station+Rotation+WB+2.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDll4_I7SehJNjAwy-8JISKr2TjMVtLdTxYhH5lTv3rqm7zsm4XU1MBc8olHj1MWw6FSE8rijb-Pjot-RH8xTHC_aBv3xYEcseVDZP-sg5WPibYUKoFeEIc6wJ5K7FAjGd1ssSxZ47_Dd1/s200/Blended+Station+Rotation+WB+2.16.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning/" target="_blank">Blended learning</a> can meet this need. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br4ETlxEkMI" target="_blank">Station rotation</a> is a pillar in the blended classroom. In this model, students rotate through a series of stations to build their knowledge or practice a standard. <br />
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Back to our group of teachers and the moment of the pause. <br />
Into the silence one of the teachers in the group suggested that they bring the counselor into the classroom as one of the stations.<br />
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BRILLIANT! Using station rotation to address a student need in the context of the classroom is such a huge thing! Consider adding social skills standards to the rotation - bring in other supports - meet your students where they are!<br />
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That's Blended Learning!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-27165210038986805792016-03-27T23:14:00.002-06:002016-04-26T09:52:38.652-05:00An Apple for the Teacher - 4th Grade Wisdom <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvqdP_EWrEJAYbyimm-efBcuvzMwaLhTeufHLjIykvv8o7Rtw9vrnHf-g0kOEWE3uJ9kaavrMDnAToqF9N_AfTxsHK4zShWrqcA2asLqTY7NS-69DW7qklNqxvnfhFgOmNiKnAwh3iezx/s1600/100_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvqdP_EWrEJAYbyimm-efBcuvzMwaLhTeufHLjIykvv8o7Rtw9vrnHf-g0kOEWE3uJ9kaavrMDnAToqF9N_AfTxsHK4zShWrqcA2asLqTY7NS-69DW7qklNqxvnfhFgOmNiKnAwh3iezx/s200/100_0767.JPG" width="200" /></a>I have written before about advice that shaped my teaching philosophy and teaching career - wisdom I received from my principal and my cooperating teacher while student teaching. <br />
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But, one of the most long lasting bits of wisdom came from one of my 4th grade students. <br />
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One morning a young girl came up to my desk, and handed me this apple.<br />
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She looked at me and said, "I cut out all the bad parts for you."<br />
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After the students went to PE later that morning, I took a picture of the apple to remember that moment. <br />
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You see, this was a young lady who had experienced a lot of 'bad parts' in her life- her mom and dad both had problems with their health and the law. She struggled with reading and with friendships. She had experienced many of the 'bad parts' that life could offer. <br />
But, instead of focusing on those, she faced each day with a sunny attitude - ready to try again. <br />
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This rather blurry picture of a lovingly carved apple has stayed with me for the last 10 years. <br />
It continues to remind me that it's all about DECIDING. <br />
Each day I get to make the decision about what my attitude will be. <br />
I get to decide which parts I want to cut out!<br />
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That is wisdom to live by!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-72402721465592679372016-03-23T21:49:00.000-06:002016-04-26T09:52:47.966-05:00A Book, A School and A Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the evening with my book club. </div>
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A group of twelve women who have known one another for many years. </div>
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But, more than just knowing one another </div>
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- we all used to work together </div>
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- all at the same elementary school </div>
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- seven classroom teachers, a librarian, a PE teacher, a library associate, a Gifted and Talented teacher and a Title I Reading teacher.</div>
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This book club began almost 10 years ago - when all of us worked at that elementary school.</div>
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Today one of those classroom teachers and the library associate are the only ones still working at that school. The rest of us have retired or moved on to other jobs - some in the same district and some in other places. </div>
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But, when we sit around a table with a meal in front of us and a shared book beside us - it's like we are back in that school together. We pick up where we left off and go from there. Our conversations tonight ranged from politics to our families to our jobs to the book that most of us didn't read this time and then back to our children and the students we used to teach. </div>
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And along with all of our conversation was the laughter </div>
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- deep and often </div>
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and I will just say it - LOUD! </div>
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We worked side by side through some really tough times - cancer, scandals, principal changes and divorce. We worked together through the wonderful times too - marriages, births, graduations and dream jobs. </div>
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We are more than just colleagues - we are friends.</div>
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When I think about relationships - this is the group that I think about. </div>
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We came together because of proximity and it all grew from there.</div>
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This is what relationships are all about </div>
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- connections that run deep </div>
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-connections that profoundly change us</div>
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I feel very fortunate to have worked with these women, </div>
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to have learned from these women, </div>
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to laugh with these women,</div>
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to call them my friends.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-21535790922638519072016-03-22T10:05:00.000-06:002016-04-26T09:53:20.631-05:00Goals - A 'Do-Over' Moment<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXu1YwwQ1Ff1TbKM33aTcbGnRRu19bsVd0tFl8968y2VOo7VAFWx4xnuSMTdOr_fV3rZOU6lGe914Mv9mFRhWgAWLQZyi-zpw5z0Si2bVpBWHJJyHZqlmiV8ntG2Ng1tsPnA2bTpnHz1u/s1600/board-997399_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXu1YwwQ1Ff1TbKM33aTcbGnRRu19bsVd0tFl8968y2VOo7VAFWx4xnuSMTdOr_fV3rZOU6lGe914Mv9mFRhWgAWLQZyi-zpw5z0Si2bVpBWHJJyHZqlmiV8ntG2Ng1tsPnA2bTpnHz1u/s320/board-997399_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from Pixabay</td></tr>
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One of the best parts of teaching was remaking myself and my classroom each and every year. Every year was a complete "do over." It was a gift - to wipe the slate clean and build on what worked and try something different for the parts that didn't work. <br />
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I've always seen goals in that way - a 'do over' moment that I get to set for myself.Probably because of that I often have too many that I am working on.<br />
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Since my job has changed to a Technology Consultant - my goals have also shifted.<br />
These are the big 3 - the ones I am constantly working on.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Focus </span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from Pixabay</td></tr>
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I have described my knowledge as one centimeter thick and about 100 miles wide. That broad view leads to some pretty embarrassing digital hoarding! I talked about that <a href="http://bswantz.blogspot.com/2014/05/confessions-of-digital-hoarder.html">here</a> and have admitted this fact on several occasions.<br />
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For me, the problem with digital hoarding is the lack of focus. I am constantly trying to find the next best thing - rather than going deeper in the tools and practices that are already at hand. <br />
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Focus funnels my task - to the exact point of need.<br />
Focus reminds me of the actual task rather than the myriad of possibilities!<br />
Focus!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Relationships</b></span><br />
Years ago I had a principal <a href="http://bswantz.blogspot.com/2016/03/leadership-reflections-day-1-blogger.html">(the one I wrote about here)</a> tell me that what elementary parents really want is to know that the classroom teacher likes their child. The conversation may start with curriculum or homework concerns, but what it usually boils down to is the fact that they are concerned that the teacher doesn't like their child. I also wrote a <a href="http://bswantz.blogspot.com/2014/09/30-day-blog-challenge-day-4.html">blog post</a> about relationship building that I learned from my cooperating teacher at the very beginning of my teaching career.<br />
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Relationships look a little different when we are working with adults. Teachers are busy - they don't have time to really connect with this consultant who swoops in to their building every couple of months. So how do I build a relationship there?<br />
<br />
I remember. <br />
<i>I remember</i> what it felt like to be a overly-busy, crazed teacher and have that consultant who had all the time in the world swoop in and tell me what I was doing wrong - or what new thing I had no time to work on. <br />
<i>I remember</i> that overwhelming feeling when that email with 10 tech tips appear in my mailbox - and I know I should look at it but I have only one break in the morning with 1000 things to accomplish.<br />
<i>I remember </i>how excited I was when I went to a technology conference and was able to rub elbows with the 'experts' and bask in their knowledge. And have them seem a bit too aloof or busy to answer my lowly beginner question.<br />
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Relationships are built in tiny fragments and they start with listening and remembering!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHgDPWN7n4EZxmy-VDzyil3ATixYlLk6WInkj0E3DqTys_Iemi8Wqc9SZ4QI0faT6eWMgpTNtgVTr5aoMyQQAuC7Cj2670PvYpbPrQvL_rgrX_dRgnq8DdSu3RuDuZ0hhFXLVRFZVX5e9/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHgDPWN7n4EZxmy-VDzyil3ATixYlLk6WInkj0E3DqTys_Iemi8Wqc9SZ4QI0faT6eWMgpTNtgVTr5aoMyQQAuC7Cj2670PvYpbPrQvL_rgrX_dRgnq8DdSu3RuDuZ0hhFXLVRFZVX5e9/s200/IMG_2011.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Organization</span></b><br />
This is a goal that I am very excited about! In order for me to do my job organization must be at the very center - organization of my time, my resources, my to-do list, me.<br />
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This December I discovered <a href="http://www.bohoberry.com/bullet-journal-hacks/">Bullet Journals</a>. This has made a HUGE difference for me. A bullet journal is a method of creating daily and weekly lists as well as collections - a list of like items. I am a list maker - and I have dallied with lots of different types of to-do lists including both digital and analogue versions. Bullet Journaling is working for me - because I need to be able to have my list right in front of me as I work. I LOVE to X off the daily items and have yesterday's list so I can refer back to that. The collections have become my go to lists of projects that I am working on. Every page is numbered so you can refer to other pages in your lists. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLjHqtJby90mybt2LtyaSW72D0xkfDX3Rej2wf2P3wolod-ma-AQeal2ql4nfBocw-liauIjyYhQ8bwKHVES5OFon3zvf74xdj05jtxOAwhluQA2LXF2Vgvpige1736LmpYihbhlh4uVr/s1600/2016-03-22_10-58-41.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLjHqtJby90mybt2LtyaSW72D0xkfDX3Rej2wf2P3wolod-ma-AQeal2ql4nfBocw-liauIjyYhQ8bwKHVES5OFon3zvf74xdj05jtxOAwhluQA2LXF2Vgvpige1736LmpYihbhlh4uVr/s200/2016-03-22_10-58-41.png" width="200" /></a>The other tool I use to keep myself sane is my Google Calendar. I use one calendar that is shared with my team for all my work items and then I created a personal calendar of another color that is not shared. It appears on the same calendar. This keeps all my items in one place at the same time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAULEF2bXmtPGp8VFFFwg_6_qbXShRrcIjDW5_Cb60GONsHJJv_ogzUbWq840mpg8A88GtibpKcAJI5dLPxK-_Nj9ZFKmtA7X2Mj9e5F8Cpjqg6zEoV1OKe34tLb08MycmTaHi8vvL07Z1/s1600/2016-03-22_11-12-56.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAULEF2bXmtPGp8VFFFwg_6_qbXShRrcIjDW5_Cb60GONsHJJv_ogzUbWq840mpg8A88GtibpKcAJI5dLPxK-_Nj9ZFKmtA7X2Mj9e5F8Cpjqg6zEoV1OKe34tLb08MycmTaHi8vvL07Z1/s200/2016-03-22_11-12-56.png" width="174" /></a>My final organization piece has to do with my digital hoarding! I have a dual system of bookmarking. One is a folder on my Chrome bookmark bar that is called <i>check</i> - I bookmark items I run across on the web to this folder - then move them to Diigo at a later date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nZA9Bnvw3ESSNjgqBptgQdQDhSXNvArLinbvZ3IhYPE00Wi7XofIlO2rXK81OLs4r3J0utexWOXrJBxM4KEGrVUNTuFZ6DmYORrhTHieRYkdnwG2wXmufIw21nxfUi2nIr_uCe0nMeXp/s1600/2016-03-22_11-13-59.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nZA9Bnvw3ESSNjgqBptgQdQDhSXNvArLinbvZ3IhYPE00Wi7XofIlO2rXK81OLs4r3J0utexWOXrJBxM4KEGrVUNTuFZ6DmYORrhTHieRYkdnwG2wXmufIw21nxfUi2nIr_uCe0nMeXp/s1600/2016-03-22_11-13-59.png" /></a>Diigo is my tool of all tools!! I have more than 10,000 bookmarks in Diigo - yes you read that right, 10000! But - I can find things in Diigo, I have them tagged and added to lists! One of these days I will write a whole blog post on this amazing organizational Holy Grail!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-25902567383705462862016-03-20T20:39:00.001-06:002016-04-26T09:53:34.866-05:00Leadership Reflections - Day 1 - Blogger Challenge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://rziegenfuss.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_0902.jpg</td></tr>
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"A LEADER is a dealer in HOPE."<br />
~Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
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I really didn't expect to begin a journal entry on leadership with a quote from Napoleon - but this one rings so true - a dealer in hope.<br />
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This is the time of year that many school districts are in desperate need of hope - budgets have all but disappeared, pink slips may be appearing and spring fever is spreading through the hallways. But it goes deeper than that - deeper than only a springtime need.<br />
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We need hope.<br />
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I have long believed that all teachers are dreamers with a faith in what is unseen. You have only to walk through the halls of a school to witness that belief. Rooms on either side of the hall are filled with teachers who believe that education changes lives, that learning is available for all and has the power to change. That is a belief in the unseen.<br />
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But, instead of being celebrated for that bedrock belief - teachers are too often blamed for that which they have no control. Teachers are seen as the problem - not the solution.<br />
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I clearly remember sitting in a budget meeting with a district employee who said, "if it wasn't for the teachers we would have so much more money in this district." I sat there trying to keep my mouth closed - and my hands from shaking!<br />
If it wasn't for the teachers - there would not be a school.<br />
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I have thought about that comment so many times. The fact that an employee of a school district, someone who works with teachers and students, believes that teachers are the root of the problem makes me so very sad! <br />
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And that brings me back to leadership and hope. <br />
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I had the amazing privilege to work with one principal who demonstrated a deep belief in hope through his leadership. His philosophy was to empower his teachers. <br />
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That isn't the most comfortable for all staff. There are some who want a leader who tells them what to do and when and how - because if it fails they have someone to blame. <br />
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But, for those who had the courage to take a risk - this principal was willing to provide the support.<br />
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There is something amazing that happens when you work for a leader who believes in his staff<br />
- you see possibilities all around you<br />
in both your students<br />
and other staff members.<br />
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It was this principal who opened the educational technology door for me. Without knowing a lick about technology he trusted me as I tried out this new technology thing. It was with his help that I applied for a NEA Leadership grant that provided laptops and ipods for my classroom. With those my students created 50 state podcasts as we studied our way across the United States. <br />
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It was also this principal who sat down beside me, after all the students and staff had left for the day, challenged me to change my attitude, and handed me a kleenex when the words hit very close to my heart.<br />
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Thank you, Mr. Marks, for your gift of leadership! You are missed!!<br />
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You gave me the gift of hope.<br />
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And when you see hope<br />
all things are possible!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-47858965577257613522016-03-18T07:43:00.000-06:002016-03-18T08:26:35.472-06:00Back at It<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4vlKaFKOroQNx5_wgN7G3gC70sYMwpInKHYjKgt7JluOSMMirJOVQ8c59qBdeN9pIu8zSPW3v8jIh0U2_r4iT-o-jLEDOd58Z3QahXXEsr1NjHoJJtlcliy4yK6Owc51g5eE71cJgRb0/s1600/eraser-316446_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4vlKaFKOroQNx5_wgN7G3gC70sYMwpInKHYjKgt7JluOSMMirJOVQ8c59qBdeN9pIu8zSPW3v8jIh0U2_r4iT-o-jLEDOd58Z3QahXXEsr1NjHoJJtlcliy4yK6Owc51g5eE71cJgRb0/s320/eraser-316446_1280.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from Pixabay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are times that your brain freezes out your words. <br />
You overthink every syllable - until nothing comes.<br />
That certainly makes writing a blog post difficult.<br />
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I have been in the midst of that experience this last year. <br />
Changing my job has made me rethink everything I would write. I felt the responsibility of my new job title around my shoulders. <br />
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WOW! That sounds like I am not happy with my job change<br />
- it's not that at all! It is more that I represent a completely different audience and world, and I needed time to work through that responsibility.<br />
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Because - I really want this blog to be about more than just a tool and an activity. I want this to be a place that I can think - outloud - through the changes in my world of technology + education + coaching. <br />
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I want show the world what it is like to 'skate on the shoulder' and watch the world of school change all around me! It's such an exciting time to be a Technology Consultant and I want to be able to share that.<br />
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So I am going to start my own Blogging Challenge to get me going!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTGDz9xGm1qGgOMqj9hK7eftB6MGyqHJtqCLRV__8AgoseLQxjNITtU_XyOfCgDHMmMdURLYUZ4Dbb7B03USk64YV4zOtiwWYDuuV_qKT9OHq3GGx5gLk5CqXwOX6L8fKqymz-iEn99B5/s1600/2016-03-18_08-59-32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTGDz9xGm1qGgOMqj9hK7eftB6MGyqHJtqCLRV__8AgoseLQxjNITtU_XyOfCgDHMmMdURLYUZ4Dbb7B03USk64YV4zOtiwWYDuuV_qKT9OHq3GGx5gLk5CqXwOX6L8fKqymz-iEn99B5/s200/2016-03-18_08-59-32.png" width="200" /></a></div>
I am calling it the <a href="http://bswantz.blogspot.com/2016/03/30-day-blogging-challenge.html">30 Day Blogging Challenge </a>- but if you know me at all you will understand that it might be 35 days or I might miss a few days in between. Because, after all, this is just a suggested guideline - right?!<br />
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My plan is to blog for 30 work days about life in the Educational Technology Coaching world and introduce one technology tool each day<br />
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And here we go!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-21956743394974395752015-12-09T21:55:00.000-06:002015-12-09T21:56:06.746-06:00SAMR - a candy coated modelI have the privilege of presenting the SAMR model to a group of teachers tomorrow. I have been trying to figure out a way to help staff remember the 4 levels of SAMR. What better way than with candy!! :)<br />
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<b>Substitution</b> is the lowly chocolate kiss. It works just fine - but it's pretty basic - not anything special. In this model technology is used to do the very same thing that you were doing without tech. The task stays the same.</div>
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<b>Augmentation</b> moves one step up the ladder so the chocolate kiss becomes a bit yummier with caramel filling. In this model task remains the same but technology is used to add a bit more, the tech takes the process to a new level</div>
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<b>Modification</b> adds peanuts to the mix of caramel and chocolate. In this level the task begins to change. The use of a tech tool moves the process to a different place - allowing more options than existed without the tech.</div>
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<b>Redefinition</b> changes everything - our candy is not just a candy but a yummy chocolate ooey gooey dessert. Technology takes the task to a completely different place - redefining and reshaping the very activity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYS0E87IkquArJ7-kdF4pAlZ6lrEJSsvhvT7BE0oCBUNWATF9D8bnl584oDIZvKOM_q7PxbRsU_4ZVn0Yv1JlBs4CRe3nZj-jE2y5gQFiFUbUTPpJPPGG6AqOsLctxBSfM02RpBdbYV2P/s1600/SAMR+-+the+candy+version+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYS0E87IkquArJ7-kdF4pAlZ6lrEJSsvhvT7BE0oCBUNWATF9D8bnl584oDIZvKOM_q7PxbRsU_4ZVn0Yv1JlBs4CRe3nZj-jE2y5gQFiFUbUTPpJPPGG6AqOsLctxBSfM02RpBdbYV2P/s400/SAMR+-+the+candy+version+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-35470880953368072492015-01-27T15:33:00.000-06:002015-01-27T15:33:16.018-06:00Live Healthy Iowa and Grammar in a 7th grade Classroom<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVod9Lf6i5DtnAAoS1t-4WjGS6AIdhHYKp-BoW9REzTQ0N-B7swcDoBEyqoawxvbtfjn7wnazIBw3G4im5n2-VgS8GbTYs9SmTHke8UGOatHQHFTyBLMckFT6dl8q4qNsKTLHQD6QxH2x/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVod9Lf6i5DtnAAoS1t-4WjGS6AIdhHYKp-BoW9REzTQ0N-B7swcDoBEyqoawxvbtfjn7wnazIBw3G4im5n2-VgS8GbTYs9SmTHke8UGOatHQHFTyBLMckFT6dl8q4qNsKTLHQD6QxH2x/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">activity cards</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv976l_37C-k42meayezcb1oMqbckGa-Aqrkhn-5waB13hiC5GPngDMi_1eb_4UTJTUNudgdz85F6MZtrWm6tT9vcP27UaejpV9CoYgs4JhghvXvQs5xtefvTzEDYIatM3A6aT322E0N9/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv976l_37C-k42meayezcb1oMqbckGa-Aqrkhn-5waB13hiC5GPngDMi_1eb_4UTJTUNudgdz85F6MZtrWm6tT9vcP27UaejpV9CoYgs4JhghvXvQs5xtefvTzEDYIatM3A6aT322E0N9/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students waiting their turns</td></tr>
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It may seem like an impossible challenge to combine Chromebooks, grammar, and exercise, but that is exactly what Beth Fiordelise's 7th graders did today! It was a grammar relay race in the student center.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm9iP4rjgs81PIx6Wp1Hk-QkY9y-UHUvD2CcArSRAb18RXujLF4dUKhoW5HKVwjcFhleNow2wqHCcxlOxpybPCj1FiuppBgvMqkhg885I7zOw0gTQ1fwxwaeajxdtn31sCMXnWiYzy5UP/s1600/IMG_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Four teams sent one student to the lunch table with a slip of paper. On the paper was a question correlating to a Google questionnaire on the Chromebook. The student answered the quiz question and picked up an activity card. Each card listed a different active way to return to their group or an exercise to be completed before returning. </div>
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Based on the both the quiz answers and the activity level in the Student Center - I would say it was a great success. </div>
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Special thanks to Learning Center teacher Wendy Berry, for the idea and the ground work.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFN5T04Jsb78napbeDdbLPxvROeMFcBVVyjMzf1ExLd17wf1Ian4CiPlr6wC8SjuXQOr_xpNQ9UO2wMvaF-ga3xXQP2f3HtfetjOJ6LNL97cN1i-9Q5-pTILPmv-ln6F17W8mllJVRbHq/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFN5T04Jsb78napbeDdbLPxvROeMFcBVVyjMzf1ExLd17wf1Ian4CiPlr6wC8SjuXQOr_xpNQ9UO2wMvaF-ga3xXQP2f3HtfetjOJ6LNL97cN1i-9Q5-pTILPmv-ln6F17W8mllJVRbHq/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Fiordelise explaining</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSvLYlifKBffwBubvTy8Gkt6cViu07QqKL5YdP0lx6-e0ldMl_9nLANfr_DRgQWt1-Sw6daFg977opJKVLVzzV776qUH1hx-ouqcKYE-bDINe28ghONmCj_PS7csKl9okDw2YG00Yz7qr/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the tools needed - cards, Chromebook and textbook</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm9iP4rjgs81PIx6Wp1Hk-QkY9y-UHUvD2CcArSRAb18RXujLF4dUKhoW5HKVwjcFhleNow2wqHCcxlOxpybPCj1FiuppBgvMqkhg885I7zOw0gTQ1fwxwaeajxdtn31sCMXnWiYzy5UP/s1600/IMG_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm9iP4rjgs81PIx6Wp1Hk-QkY9y-UHUvD2CcArSRAb18RXujLF4dUKhoW5HKVwjcFhleNow2wqHCcxlOxpybPCj1FiuppBgvMqkhg885I7zOw0gTQ1fwxwaeajxdtn31sCMXnWiYzy5UP/s1600/IMG_2034.JPG" height="249" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard at work</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-58748820409331327532015-01-26T16:48:00.000-06:002015-02-03T11:20:25.452-06:00Connection ToolsI am always looking for new ways to connect device to one another.<br />
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Here are a two that connect you iPad to your computer for different reasons.<br />
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<b><u>Chrome Remote Desktop</u></b><br />
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I introduced to a simple tool to connect your iPad to your chrome browser on your computer by <a href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/">Educational Technology and Mobile Learning</a>. This works great in a classroom setting where you want to move around the room with your iPad, but use the projector capabilities of our laptop or desktop.<br />
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In order to make this work there are a couple of preparation steps.<br />
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<li>install the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chrome-remote-desktop/id944025852?mt=8">Chrome Remote Desktop app</a> on your iPad.</li>
<li>install the <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-remote-desktop/gbchcmhmhahfdphkhkmpfmihenigjmpp?utm_source=chrome-ntp-launcher">Chrome Remote Desktop</a> Google app found in the Google Play store</li>
<li>Once it is installed you will need to launch the app by clicking on the multicolored <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome_webstore/answer/3060053?hl=en">Apps button</a> in the bookmark bar of Chrome.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0z9KMx82duTDYxocCYxdK2w-WzAq5sS2QB9Aoiv9XWJsOMgqQCJwFnmjcAvBgaVwywWcRjDctcaPuTQtNvtM6GCQcBQforKAM3sjVK26-OimwNrdCO18zimsxMk5dYJbGUZ9DVDu3Nw7/s1600/remote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0z9KMx82duTDYxocCYxdK2w-WzAq5sS2QB9Aoiv9XWJsOMgqQCJwFnmjcAvBgaVwywWcRjDctcaPuTQtNvtM6GCQcBQforKAM3sjVK26-OimwNrdCO18zimsxMk5dYJbGUZ9DVDu3Nw7/s1600/remote.jpg" height="81" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Find the Chrome Remote Desktop app and launch it </li>
<li>Click on "Enable remote connections"</li>
<li>Create a pin you <b>will not </b>forget.</li>
<li>Enable your computer by adding the pin to this window.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_DeQnvtnAIeyP9lS7MZiN_2shdtdLhlh1fusmiN8NvbJI1tJSNPcXwV04Qbv0rTqkZYf1LXaxXBhoCzweBfPnAfFWyEKZZYCVyMhKsukEg-qCo0_EMzHBzL4ydQ4o0zXmvbcrJcpENK-/s1600/enable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_DeQnvtnAIeyP9lS7MZiN_2shdtdLhlh1fusmiN8NvbJI1tJSNPcXwV04Qbv0rTqkZYf1LXaxXBhoCzweBfPnAfFWyEKZZYCVyMhKsukEg-qCo0_EMzHBzL4ydQ4o0zXmvbcrJcpENK-/s1600/enable.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Open the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your <b>iPad.</b></li>
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<li>if you have more than one google account you will need to choose the one you want my clicking on the three lines in the top left corner</li>
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<li>Click on the computer name on your iPad.</li>
<li>Add the pin that you created and connect.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyRB7yUcS9O3gqiSkmo52it5hb8d5d4iZr6ZaDiyIuAw4zJ4sD-TjUDWEkJzHL2kaq6Qc2BrZaWZsjUxG3-hx_SG09qzcANvG6tISzIWDRf3dGPlE36gMfHHQexr-iTDKXCDre7LcYv_w/s1600/desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyRB7yUcS9O3gqiSkmo52it5hb8d5d4iZr6ZaDiyIuAw4zJ4sD-TjUDWEkJzHL2kaq6Qc2BrZaWZsjUxG3-hx_SG09qzcANvG6tISzIWDRf3dGPlE36gMfHHQexr-iTDKXCDre7LcYv_w/s1600/desktop.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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</ol>
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And here is the desktop of my computer!</div>
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From here I can move to different tabs, and do whatever I need to in Chrome.<br />
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I love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRw1TZ8z1iGyFmOAPSA958okCZu6aHhZWj3f41njDwVad3oPI8d2Ql_vDa_j77Ed5x6MimumCaMwlrDVf9oemIPter0FzPvy4IDT21jGSRRomS8Ijkl2ayv1Dm3j0zpd1FwQNliALBFD8/s1600/IMG_2025.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRw1TZ8z1iGyFmOAPSA958okCZu6aHhZWj3f41njDwVad3oPI8d2Ql_vDa_j77Ed5x6MimumCaMwlrDVf9oemIPter0FzPvy4IDT21jGSRRomS8Ijkl2ayv1Dm3j0zpd1FwQNliALBFD8/s1600/IMG_2025.PNG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Simple Transfer</u></b></div>
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This is an iPad app that connects devices. I wish I could remember where I first heard about this app - I'd love to give credit. But, sadly I don't remember.</div>
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Here is how it works.</div>
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<ol>
<li>Download <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simple-transfer-wireless-photo/id420821506?mt=8">Simple Transfer</a> from the app store on your iPad.</li>
<li>Open the app on your computer. </li>
<li>Click on the type of transfer at the bottom of the screen.</li>
<li>For iPad to computer transfer - open a new tab in your browser - type in the ip address listed on the screen</li>
<li>Check out the limitations listed - 50 photos per album. If you want to transfer more than 50 pics, create another album.</li>
</ol>
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This works so well between devices! A great tool to have!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMisajO3zkxEGju_92InuZQ54infZa9Fpxm4YxGXGTK4TKHnVefQFfSmvSaHfVuEZVnj2gpNUJYnwzPGWevBpkv4t1UkcXTWJRLiP0MfKWm2kTqrICJXX0lRrNnyMoSHp5Tc0_ZqY6Va5m/s1600/limitations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMisajO3zkxEGju_92InuZQ54infZa9Fpxm4YxGXGTK4TKHnVefQFfSmvSaHfVuEZVnj2gpNUJYnwzPGWevBpkv4t1UkcXTWJRLiP0MfKWm2kTqrICJXX0lRrNnyMoSHp5Tc0_ZqY6Va5m/s1600/limitations.jpg" height="177" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-17679266575830493642015-01-09T13:36:00.001-06:002015-01-09T13:37:50.315-06:00New Activities for the New Year!Over Christmas vacation I was introduced to several new sites that grow student learning in a variety of ways. These sites were highlighted on one of the Diigo lists I follow - so I didn't discover them...I am just passing them along.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.geoguessr.com/" target="_blank">GeoGuesser</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyUgwuxt32oT-3i8K-xwmipeBUimZUWRxV-QUUWXMRCwMyZ0yZQ9N3yEJkYIDrCIPG12tjMt-k-SL19eUHT7rOl-sC49VaQOTT5OsjSGGZ5QIH-fVZT-BMOAP1kGr2MJp1ij486cXQy3J/s1600/GeoGuesser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyUgwuxt32oT-3i8K-xwmipeBUimZUWRxV-QUUWXMRCwMyZ0yZQ9N3yEJkYIDrCIPG12tjMt-k-SL19eUHT7rOl-sC49VaQOTT5OsjSGGZ5QIH-fVZT-BMOAP1kGr2MJp1ij486cXQy3J/s1600/GeoGuesser.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTdjratOB6Txw3z2UDuhAd8fCgL44wSF_VTDQUb6jFeUbDwrLf5ICtzqytPTNdNwn-jqQ1hwsSoKVbMcFX11t4NPYXmlqHpUO2Ga0m49e52weikDpsgwezcFzuFN2KZwJQ06L0jtOccr8/s1600/let's%2Bexplore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTdjratOB6Txw3z2UDuhAd8fCgL44wSF_VTDQUb6jFeUbDwrLf5ICtzqytPTNdNwn-jqQ1hwsSoKVbMcFX11t4NPYXmlqHpUO2Ga0m49e52weikDpsgwezcFzuFN2KZwJQ06L0jtOccr8/s1600/let's%2Bexplore.jpg" height="105" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What:</b> Geography game to encourage visual understanding and guessing with students. <br />
<b>How:</b> The premise is a street view scene somewhere in the world - you have to make a guess where the location is. There are five rounds in the game. You are scored on the nearness of the actual point and the amount of time it takes to figure out your location. The lower the score the better you are at figuring out your place in the world. <br />
<b>Variables: </b>You can decide if you want the game to be about the whole world or a specific country. You are able to 'drive' around and look for clues to help decide where you are. Googling the answer is always an option - but it takes time.<br />
<b>Draw Backs: </b> Some of the photography isn't as sharp as others - so it's really hard to read street signs. I was smack dab on the right place one time and it said I was FAR away! So take that into account.<br />
<b>Classroom Use:</b> This is be a great way to culminate a study of a country. 'Set' the students down in that place and try to figure out where they are. It is also a great way to really hone observation and google search skills. Geography is clear, but general knowledge of the world is such an overlooked skill!<br />
<b>Additional Info:</b> <a href="https://www.graphite.org/blog/a-deceptively-simple-game-that-teaches-students-how-to-ask-the-right-questions" target="_blank">This </a> is a great blog post on questioning techniques and using GeoGuesser in your classroom<br />
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Vieyra+Software&hl=en" target="_blank">Physics Toolbox</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoT4YGiVYM3uPJb8bThrQJrsgTuLRdfs34dhM50VafqrNte3646_qJjXRhDBlgycVgGUJj4lQAnugM01xJkuAF7t_QGUNY4qGQFDPPSwLm5x_g-ju9yJBARzz3uUg7AbgJndhweilgTsg/s1600/physics+toolbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoT4YGiVYM3uPJb8bThrQJrsgTuLRdfs34dhM50VafqrNte3646_qJjXRhDBlgycVgGUJj4lQAnugM01xJkuAF7t_QGUNY4qGQFDPPSwLm5x_g-ju9yJBARzz3uUg7AbgJndhweilgTsg/s1600/physics+toolbox.jpg" height="141" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ditchthattextbook.com/" target="_blank">Matt Miller</a>, in his Ditch That Textbook blog, highlighted a very powerful suite of tools in his <a href="http://ditchthattextbook.com/2015/01/01/11-class-activities-with-sensors-you-didnt-know-your-phone-had/" target="_blank">January 1st blog post</a>. </div>
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He interviewed Rebecca Vieyra who has created a suite of free tools that can be used on Android devices. They are all sorts of ___ometers. Apps have been developed for many of these for Mac OS.</div>
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I wanted to include this for a couple of reasons...</div>
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<li>Vieyra is "<span style="background-color: white; color: #272727; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">now on leave with NASA Aeronautics as an Albert Einstein Fellow </span>teacher." What a great way to introduce your students to scientist teachers using the apps she has created! </li>
<li>these are using the tools that many students have in their pockets </li>
<li>the post includes suggestions for using these tools in the classroom as well as on a field trip</li>
<li>I don't know anything about Physics and this is fascinating to me!</li>
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<a href="https://www.crumbles.co/" target="_blank">Crumbles</a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLsCf0kwiSzcKwAxwXc_BMJGiR65_ik3Xk5RWaF1vRcvECYE1anzghCVHnAm_CH8oKJotnrBNZfYTApIbgjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This is a rather unique website that pulls words from popular movies and creates a movie montage of your phrase.</div>
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<a href="http://goo.gl/0cYC02" target="_blank">Click here</a> to experience what I am talking about.</div>
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<b>Educational uses: </b> interesting way to kick off a classroom lesson! </div>
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<b>Draw backs:</b> There is no way to choose the clip image - and some may not be as appropriate as others. Also, this is not creating a video - so you can only share the link. To create the video that I shared I used a screen capture program and copied it to the blog. That is why it is so tiny. <br />
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Have fun with these apps!</div>
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<br />Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-53243566918761583522014-10-22T14:06:00.001-05:002014-10-22T14:13:40.505-05:00Genetics and Hard Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCksdwDnW_dDFFQmAviMdMatOsQVi1argP62jG1RHY1sH7lumHJv85drxeyGpFmEhWjCvBfSLfIetE5mDVrzPXtogNoj-XfNL4NYIZ7QJHjeTefGEuR1sYmMIHVC0poQUBz623zaCMcB4n/s640/blogger-image-129194099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCksdwDnW_dDFFQmAviMdMatOsQVi1argP62jG1RHY1sH7lumHJv85drxeyGpFmEhWjCvBfSLfIetE5mDVrzPXtogNoj-XfNL4NYIZ7QJHjeTefGEuR1sYmMIHVC0poQUBz623zaCMcB4n/s640/blogger-image-129194099.jpg"></a></div>You never know what you will learn when you walk in to classroom. <div>Today I watched students "create" a baby through the flip of two coins and a series of genetic choices. Dominant and recessive genes were stitched together into one face. </div><div><br></div><div>That was the assignment. But, I observed so much more. </div><div><br></div><div>-Two languages-Spanish and English words floated around the room</div><div>-social skills of partner work displayed with varying degrees of success</div><div>-drawing expertise on display from the quiet student in the back of the room (some serious drawing skills!!)</div><div>-a teacher able to answer questions from Ebola to chicken pox and back to dwarfism without skipping a beat</div><div>-engagement with the topic and the partner</div><div><br></div><div>And that was about 10 minutes worth of class. Think of all the skills and abilities that are on display every minute of every day in the millions of classrooms across the country. There is serious work going on!</div><div><br></div><div>So. Reformers...you are right.</div><div>There are problems In our education system. </div><div>But there are amazingly right things happening too!</div><div><br></div><div>And it is HARD work for both teachers and students. </div><div>Let's remember that before we start throwing around generalizations! </div><div><br></div><div>And just maybe you might consider hanging out in a classroom before you make statements.</div><div><br></div><div>Because they are pretty amazing spaces!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOlllTjYp_i4u6xJRyMIVomOBhwFpMt_s3q36Y6r29cgiyNNaSSqF6gxZN7XTo9TVx92q7kTA0JNzgdud9hiNnyMoRVJQcsaiKFya3jz8N_8Pl209QsHoP8-dGI7qAa2Nk9P9y8u5yPmq/s640/blogger-image--1674456032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOlllTjYp_i4u6xJRyMIVomOBhwFpMt_s3q36Y6r29cgiyNNaSSqF6gxZN7XTo9TVx92q7kTA0JNzgdud9hiNnyMoRVJQcsaiKFya3jz8N_8Pl209QsHoP8-dGI7qAa2Nk9P9y8u5yPmq/s640/blogger-image--1674456032.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-75504133912251538912014-10-16T15:09:00.001-05:002014-10-16T15:12:56.851-05:00Genius HourAs the staff at a local junior high is sitting and discussing Genius Hour there is a word staring down at them from the wall above their heads...<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JNQtxR05eziCwwUiJh9NhpB8T-jHHfRvjVvSaVyVqWcYYvrjjrmruXELoPRkkOoOKjbG2exICfUV0ygCJjch4Asft04l_Ovx0TF30LDes3_FSAfTvz7ovjQmCDKuZnnpNfvjHeRuAv4j/s640/blogger-image--1294578692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JNQtxR05eziCwwUiJh9NhpB8T-jHHfRvjVvSaVyVqWcYYvrjjrmruXELoPRkkOoOKjbG2exICfUV0ygCJjch4Asft04l_Ovx0TF30LDes3_FSAfTvz7ovjQmCDKuZnnpNfvjHeRuAv4j/s640/blogger-image--1294578692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a great environment to build a genius hour for students. Their environment beckons both students and staff to grow and discover!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Way to go!!!</div><br></div>Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124788958384595386.post-69733813297135561942014-10-11T10:24:00.000-05:002014-10-11T10:25:37.085-05:00Specialized Search EngineDid you know that Google allows a quick and easy way to create a customized search engine. You can add the sites you want and exclude all others. It works great!<br />
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<script>
(function() {
var cx = '017547539860233838852:wqbrts6td2m';
var gcse = document.createElement('script');
gcse.type = 'text/javascript';
gcse.async = true;
gcse.src = (document.location.protocol == 'https:' ? 'https:' : 'http:') +
'//www.google.com/cse/cse.js?cx=' + cx;
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(gcse, s);
})();
</script>
<gcse:search></gcse:search>Here are the easy steps.<br />
1. Log on to your Google account<br />
2. Go to <a href="http://google.com/cse">Google.com/cse</a><br />
3. Follow the directions on the page to add sites, keywords and recommended sites.<br />
4. Click Search Features and get the embed code<br />
5. Embed the code on to your class website
Beth Swantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367604206192283084noreply@blogger.com0